Chemistry and Conservation Laboratory |
B. CHEMICAL RESEARCH - conducts qualitative, quantitative, and microchemical analysis of both organic and inorganic materials. It also performs palynology, petrography and microenvironmental studies.
C. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SECTION - plans, organize and implement training programs and seminars on the field of conservation and restoration of cultural properties.
D. TECHNICAL SERVICES SECTION
- administrative functions, documentation, pest control and
publication of technical reports.
Conserved and restore ceramics, metals, wood, ivory and other materials recovered from Lena Shaol, Palawan. |
A waterlogged wooden boat from Butuan City is conserved using the polyethylene glycol method. Two (2) "balanghay boats" were consolidated with PEG 4000 and seven other boats are awaiting for conservation. Todate, balanghay V is being treated by spraying and brushing technique. |
The Angono Petroglyphs located in Binangonan, Rizal is
the oldest known Rock Art in the Philippines dated approximately 1000 years
B.C. Originally there are 127 engravings of human and animal figures but
due to neglect and vandalism, some rock carvings are disappearing. Studies
on volcanic tuff deterioration on conservation is undertaken and site development
is on-going.
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Further geological study was conducted in coordination
with the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau and the PHILVOLCS. Seismographic
recording was conducted at the site to determine the stability of the rockshelter
during earthquake or rock blasting effect of the nearby quarry.
Dra. Elena Charola, a rock art specialist from Argentina
was invited to assess the deterioration of the volcanic tuft where this
figures are engraved. The rock was fairly stable, however, continuous monitoring
and documentation was recommended in order to establish the rate of deterioration
due to microenviromental changes at the site. The Angono Petroglyphs site is tentatively scheduled for opening to the public in March 20, 1999 |
Documentation and assessment on the condition of human
mummies in the Province of Benguet is on-going. Todate, 26 mummies were
accounted and were in advance stage of deterioration. They are found in
the municipality of Kabayan. Twelve (12) municipalities were reported to
have mummies and further survey and assessment is being conducted.
The Kabayan mummy was listed in the 1998 Endangered Site
in the world under the World Monuments Watch program.
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The workshop in Preventive Conservation of museum object were conducted by Spanish expert from Instituto del Patrimonio Historico Español. Conservators invited were Jose Burces, Miguel Rodriguez, Lorite and Juan Herrares. Dra. Nieves Valentin conducted the Pest Control workshop. The two (2) weeks workshop in the Applied Analytical Techniques in the analysis of Paint Layers scheduked in January 25 to February 5, 1999 will be conducted by Dr. Enrique Parra Crego from the Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio.
The 3-months intensive training course on the "Coservation and Restoration of easle Paintings" is scheduled on March 16 to June 15, 1999. The course covers both practical and theoritical aspects of conserving and restoring paintings and other painted art object. Deadline for application is February 26, 1999.
PUBLICATIONS:
2. Abinion, Orlando V., 1992, Polyethylene Glycol on Conserving Balanghay Wood, NM Papers, Vol. 3, No. 1. (full text)
3. Naranjo, SR, Susan, et. Al, 1992, Deacidification of Cotton Textile by Dilute Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) : An Experimental Conservation Treatment of a Kiangan Skirt, NM Papers, Vol. 3, No. 2. (full text)
4. Elvena, Evelyn T., 1995, The Conservation of a Bilaan Belt, NM Papers, Vol.5, No. l. (full text)